Ker & Downey Africa > Journal > Your guide to a safari in March
March is a transitional month, as much of Eastern and Southern Africa moves into the green season. For the most part, March is warm and dry with occasional rains transforming the landscapes into a brilliant palette of vibrant greens.
In Tanzania, the Great Migration is in full swing, offering wildlife enthusiasts the opportunity to see one of the greatest wildlife shows on earth. Kenya’s parks are teeming with life and big game viewing opportunities, while March is an ideal month for enjoying a traditional safari experience with a city break in Cape Town, South Africa. At the tail end of its summer, travelers will still benefit from excellent weather conditions but will enjoy fewer crowds ensuring a more private and exclusive safari experience.
Botswana’s Okavango Delta is a watery paradise in March, making it ideal for traditional mokoro rides, while the start of the rainy season transforms the arid landscapes of the Chobe National Park and Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Finally, March offers an excellent time for an off-the-beaten path experience in Zambia and a trip to Victoria Falls, which are at their fullest.
If you want to enjoy a safari in March, we can help. We are a leading luxury travel company that curates bespoke safari experiences in some of Africa’s most beautiful destinations. Our in-depth experience of Africa ensures we curate truly immersive experiences that ensure a memorable vacation. Contact us today to book a March safari in Africa.
“March is one of the best-kept secrets for a safari in Africa,” says Sarah Morris, General Manager, Private Clients at Ker & Downey® Africa. “The landscapes are lush, the wildlife is thriving, and with fewer travelers around, it feels like you have the wilderness all to yourself.”
Tanzania is a wonderful destination to visit in March, just before the country moves into its rainy season, changing the landscape into vibrant hues of green. The dryer weather makes it ideal for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration, which is in full swing, with millions of wildebeest making their way through the vast wilderness of northern Tanzania. The Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania’s northern circuit is also bursting with wildlife at this time of year thanks to its high game density. A March safari in Tanzania can also easily be combined with a luxury beach experience on one of the many islands that make up the Tanzanian archipelago of Zanzibar.
During the month of March, Kenya’s Masai Mara is teeming with big cats, while the Samburu Reserve offers exciting opportunities to see unique species like Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffes. It’s also a great time of year for birding safaris around the picturesque Lake Nakuru – look out for the great pelican, the greater flamingo, and the greater blue-eared starling. The weather is generally dry during March, making it easy to spot wildlife, however, there can occasionally be downpours as Kenya moves into its rainy season. Furthermore, Kenya in March offers a more private and exclusive experience as it falls just outside of its peak safari season.
A March safari in South Africa offers a mix of lush landscapes, mild weather, and spectacular wildlife sightings. The Kruger National Park and private reserves like Sabi Sands are ideal for spotting the Big Five and witnessing new life during calving season. Game drives provide opportunities to see lion cubs, baby elephants, and rhinos in their natural habitat. The green season brings vibrant scenery and fewer tourists, ensuring a more exclusive, peaceful safari experience. Combine a traditional safari experience in South Africa with a luxury city break in Cape Town and the Cape Winelands and Garden Route for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.
A luxury safari in Botswana in March offers a tranquil, exclusive adventure amidst the lush green season. The Okavango Delta transforms into a vibrant oasis, perfect for mokoro (canoe) safaris through serene waterways teeming with hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife. In Chobe National Park, expect large herds of elephants, while the Kalahari Desert reveals unique wildlife like meerkats and oryx, creating a superb opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts.
A luxury safari in Zambia in March offers a unique, off-the-beaten-path experience in one of Africa’s most untouched wilderness areas. The South Luangwa National Park is a highlight, known for its walking safaris, leopard sightings, and abundant wildlife along the mighty Luangwa River, which is in full flow. March marks the green season, bringing verdant landscapes and prolific migratory bird species, making it ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts. In Lower Zambezi National Park, enjoy boat safaris, private game drives, and canoe excursions to spot elephants, hippos, and crocodiles.
Victoria Falls can also be added to your March safari itinerary, especially when visiting Zambia and Botswana’s Chobe National Park. The Falls are at their most powerful at this time of year, offering the opportunity to see this natural wonder at its most dramatic.
Seeking March safari inspiration? Browse some of our luxury safari packages below to learn about some of the experiences you can enjoy.
As a premier luxury travel company in Africa, we excel in creating bespoke safari experiences with your preferred experiences and choice of luxury accommodations. Contact our luxury safari consultants to book your March safari to Africa.
Blend an exciting city and wilderness escape for an incredible safari experience in March exploring the best of Africa.
Accommodation: One&Only Cape Town or Ellerman House.
Accommodation: One&Only Cape Town or Ellerman House.
Accommodation: Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp.
Accommodation: Sabi Sabi Little Bush Camp.
Accommodation: Gomoti Plains Camp.
Accommodation: Gomoti Plains Camp.
Optional Extension: Add a beach retreat in Mozambique or the Seychelles for a few days of relaxation.
This luxury safari itinerary offers a seamless mix of city, safari, and water-based wildlife experiences, ideal for a March safari adventure. All our safari packages can be tailored to meet your precise needs. Contact us today to book your March safari in Africa.
We are a premier luxury travel operator headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa that has been pioneering luxury, sustainable safari experiences in Africa for decades. We boast in-depth knowledge of the continent and the best safari destinations and experiences. We work to ensure bespoke safari experiences that offer the utmost in luxury and comfort, tailored to meet each of our clients’ needs. All our luxury lodges and hotels are carefully handpicked and vetted by us to ensure they meet our high standards of conservation and sustainability, ensuring all our guests leave a positive lasting legacy in Africa. If you want to learn more about a luxury safari experience in March, we can help.
The weather will depend on your choice of safari destination. Generally speaking, Africa’s safari destinations are in their green season, with warm temperatures during the day and cooler evenings. In East Africa, such as Kenya and Tanzania, there may be short rains, but these usually come in brief showers and rarely disrupt activities. In Southern Africa, including South Africa, Botswana, and Zambia, the landscapes are lush and vibrant, with occasional rain. The green season provides stunning scenery and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities for safari goers, especially during calving season.
Yes, March offers vibrant birdlife, making it a prime time for birdwatchers to observe both resident and migratory species.Some of the top bird-watching destinations, like Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia, see a variety of species arriving for the breeding season. You can expect to see flamingos, waders, and migratory raptors in places like the Okavango Delta, Ngorongoro Crater, and South Luangwa.
It’s calving season in March, meaning there are some superb opportunities to see adorable newborns while on safari. In many regions, such as the Serengeti in Tanzania, large herds of wildebeest and zebra give birth to their young during the early months of the year. In Kenya’s Masai Mara and South Africa’s Kruger National Park, you can also see newborn elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes. This period offers thrilling wildlife encounters, with predators and prey interacting around the new arrivals, as well as some excellent game viewing opportunities.
Some of the top national parks we recommend visiting during a luxury safari in March include:
We have access to the best safari experiences and luxury lodges in Africa’s most iconic national parks and private game reserves in Africa. Contact us to arrange your March safari experience
Pack light, breathable clothing in neutral colors for daytime, and warmer layers for cooler evenings. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection. Don’t forget sturdy footwear, a camera, binoculars, insect repellent, and a light rain jacket for the occasional March rain. When you book a safari experience with us, our luxury travel consultants will provide detailed information on what to pack.
Some of the best wildlife experiences in March on a luxury safari in Africa include:
Our dedication to excellence and curating once-in-a-lifetime safaris in Africa ensures we are the go-to luxury travel company for discerning travelers. We have been pioneering luxury safari experiences in Africa for decades, working to create exceptional safaris that leave a positive lasting legacy in Africa. We specialize in creating bespoke safari experiences in some of Africa’s best safari destinations and have access to the best luxury lodges, tented camps, and hotels, each personally vetted by our team ensuring an ultra-luxurious and ultra-exclusive safari. Contact us today to book your bespoke March African safari.
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Ker & Downey® Africa is compliant with COVID-19 Industry Protocols.
